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By Steven
Farber
When Chevrolet introduced its completely redesigned cars in 1955, body styles were revised
annually, giving each model year a distinct and easily identifiable look. The final
phase of Chevy's three year 1955-1957 design cycle concluded with chrome and fins.
One Chevy ad described the 1957
Chevrolet as "Sweet, Smooth and Sassy". The all new styling on the 1957 Chevrolet
was sweet, the new turboglide transmission was smooth and the new fuel injected
283 V-8 was very sassy.
The new 1957 Chevy
had visible styling changes to the grille, front and rear bumpers, quarter panels,
taillights and hood ornaments. Chevy's 1957 facelift was carefully detailed for
a longer and lower look. The front bumper and grille was massive across the front.
The bumpers scooped across the front then flared up and out into bomb like guards
similar to the 1957 Cadillac. These guards were normally flat faced but could be
fitted with an optional rubber tip. In the center of the grille was a long horizontal
bar with a Chevy crest and small circular parking lamps at each end. A new lower
cowl line and hood increased vision. On the hood were unique twin "Hood Rockets"
instead of the familiar "Hood Bird" ornaments used on the 1955 and 1956 Chevrolets.
The rear fenders were reshaped into the tail fins that all 1957 Chevy fan love.
At the end of the large rear bumper were half moon tail lights and optional backup
lamp housings. Concealed in the driver side vertical fin was a fuel filler hinged
panel. The 1957 Chevy
also gained a sportier stance with the use of 14 inch wheels, instead of 15 inch
wheels, leading to a slight height reduction.
The Bel Air, Two-Ten
and One-Fifty
models returned in 1957. Sixteen new solid colors and 15 two-tone color combinations
were available on nineteen different body styles. Inside the 1957 Chevy were twenty
three new seat and door trim colors combinations and a redesigned dash board. New
convertible top colors were also available.
The new 1957 Chevrolet provide a lot surprises, including 8 different engine choices.
However, the most surprising development of all was the introduction of fuel injection
on all 19 Bel Air, Two-Ten, One-Fifty body styles. Returning was the Blue Fame six cylinder
and the 265 cubic inch V-8 that were available on the '55 and '56. But Chevy also introduced
a new 283 cubic inch V-8 with more horsepower and performance than ever before. The 283
was created by opening up the 265's bore by 0.11 inches. The 283 was available in 6 different
versions, four with carburetors and two with fuel injection. The 283 produced 185 hp
with a 2 barrel, 220 hp with a 4 barrel, 245 hp with two 4 barrels, 250 hp with fuel
injection and 270 hp with two 4 barrels and a special camshaft. For the first time Chevrolet
was able to develop one horsepower for each cubic inch in a V-8 fitted with fuel injection
and a special camshaft. This 283 cubic inch 10.5 to 1 compression ratio engine developed
283 horsepower at 6000 rpm and was the hottest of the "Hot One's".
The 1957 Bel Air Sport Coupe
is to many Chevy fans the best looking Chevy ever built. It’s hard to disagree
with them but all 1957 Chevrolets are in my opinion the ultimate "Classic" Chevy.
Steve Farber is an author and auto related web site publisher. Learn more about
the "Hot One's"! GM's Classic 1955
Chevrolet, 1956 Chevrolet
and 1957 Chevrolet
at his three web sites by viewing lots of seldom seen "Vintage Chevy Ad" pictures
of body styles, body colors, interior colors. Plus, engine specifications, prices
and production figures.
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